In wall support apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

A support apparatus for positioning between two space apart stud members. The support apparatus comprises an elongated board member and a bracket member. The elongated board member has a front surface, a back surface, a first and second side panel and a top and bottom panel. A slot member is disposed on the back surface. The slot member is spaced apart from both the first side panel and the second side panel, and closer to the first side panel. The slot member is structurally configured for receiving a portion of one of the parallel spaced apart stud members. The bracket member includes a base section overlying at least one of one of the front surface, the back surface the top panel and the bottom panel. A wing section is integrated with the base section. The wing section positioned adjacent to the second side panel, and attachable to the other of the at least two spaced apart stud members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to building structural components, and, more particularly, to an in wall support apparatus from which handrails and the like may be coupled.

The invention is likewise directed to a method of use of such a support apparatus.

2. Background Art

The use of metal or other non-wooden studs has increasingly been accepted in the building industry, especially in commercial buildings. While metal studs offer advantages relative to weight and ease of use, there have been drawbacks to the use of such studs. Among other problems, such studs do not offer the strong anchoring support for certain types of outside structures, such as railings and brackets. Not only is it difficult to attach such structures to metal studs, but, the studs often lack the requisite strength in the direction necessary for the respective bracket.

Certain solutions have been utilized in an effort to overcome these deficiencies. For example, certain wooden studs may be coupled to the metal studs where a bracket is required. Such a solution has certain deficiencies, as it may be difficult to properly size the wooden stud for attachment to the metal stud. Other structures have been developed which are pre-sized for coupling to metal studs. One such solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,056 issued to Tollenaar. Such a solution can be quite cumbersome and relies on the proper spacing of the respective metal studs. Furthermore, such a device often remains flexible after attachment and is difficult to properly secure to the underlying metal studs. Moreover, such a solution leaves metal plates which extend over the sides of the metal studs. This can often compromise the drywall or other covering that is positioned over the studs to complete the wall.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus which can be used with non wood studs as an anchor for outside structures.

It is another object of the invention to provide a support apparatus which is easily and quickly attachable to non wood studs.

It is another object of the invention to provide a support apparatus which can be easily resized to accommodate variations in the spacing between studs.

These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a support apparatus for positioning between two spaced apart stud members. The support apparatus comprises an elongated board member and a bracket member. The elongated board member includes a slot disposed on a back surface of the board member close to a first side panel thereof. The bracket includes a base section and wing sections. The base section interfaces with the board member. The slot is coupled to a lip of a first stud member and the bracket member is attached to the second stud member.

Preferably, the elongated board member comprises a wooden member having a length of between approximately 12″ and 24″ and a thickness of between approximately 0.5″ and 1.75″ and a width of between approximately 2″ and 8″.

It is preferred that the slot member is between 0.125″ and 0.75″ positioned approximately 0.25″ and 1.25″ from the first side panel.

It will be understood that the wooden member is treated with a fire retardant material.

In one embodiment, the base section includes a top end and a bottom end, a top extension which is bent relative to the base section so as to overlie the top panel and a bottom extension which is bent relative to the base section so as to overlie the bottom panel. Two wing sections are provided wherein the first wing section extends from the top extension and the second wing section extends from the bottom section.

Preferably, the top extension and the bottom extension are parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base section. The two wing sections are one of parallel and coplanar to each other.

In another embodiment, the bracket member includes at least one opening extending therethrough, and a fastener extending through the at least one opening into the elongated board member to releasably couple the bracket member to the elongated board member.

In one embodiment, the pair of spaced apart openings comprise elongated slots, to, in turn, facilitate the slidable movement of the fastener therealong.

The slot member may be cut into elongated board member or may be disposed on the front surface of the elongated board member.

The invention further comprises a method of utilizing the support apparatus of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings comprises a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 of the drawings comprises a back perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of the present invention, showing in particular, the use thereof;

FIG. 4 of the drawings comprises a front plan view of the present invention, showing in particular, the use thereof;

FIG. 5 of the drawings comprises a front plan view of the present invention, showing in particular, the use thereof in association with a wall covering and a railing;

FIG. 6 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bracket member, showing the slots positioned thereon, to facilitate adjustment;

FIGS. 7 a-7 e of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of various different bracket members of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 of the drawings comprises a partial bottom plan view of the elongated board member showing a slot positioned upon the front surface thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, support apparatus 10 is shown as comprising elongated board member 12 and bracket member 14. As will be explained in detail below, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support apparatus is configured to extend between two adjoining studs 100, 102. Such studs typically comprise c-channels having a central region 104 flanked by two side regions 106, 108, which are typically perpendicular to the central region and at opposing ends thereof. A lip 110 is provided at the end of each of the side regions opposing the central region. The studs have nominal dimensions of 2″ by 4″, and come in a number of lengths. Such lengths include standard lengths of, for example, 7′, 8′, 9′, 10′ and 12′, as well as in a number of non-standard lengths. In other embodiments, the studs may have other nominal dimensions, such as 2″ by 6″ or 2″ by 8″. Such stud members are generally comprised of a metal material, such as steel, and have replaced wood studs in a number of applications (in particular, with respect to commercial buildings).

The studs 100, 102 are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance, and are typically parallel to each other. Typically, the studs are spaced apart 16″ or 24″ apart. Of course, in certain applications, the distance may be greater than 24″ or less than 16″ or between those dimensions. Generally, the studs all face the same direction.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, collectively, the elongated board member 12 includes front surface 20, back surface 22, first side panel 24, second side panel 26, top panel 28 and bottom panel 29. In the embodiment shown, the first and second side panels are parallel to each other, as are the front and back surfaces and the top and bottom panels. In the embodiment shown, the elongated board member comprises plywood having a nominal dimension of 1″ by 6″ with varying length. In certain embodiments, the elongated board member may be provided in two standard lengths, such as, for example 16″ and 24″, while other dimensions are likewise contemplated. Of course, these dimensions may be varied depending on the particular usage. It will be understood that it is desirable to have the width of the elongated board member less than the width of the metal studs.

The elongated board member 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as further including slot member 32. The slot member extends into the front surface from the top panel to the bottom panel. Generally, the width of the slot member is approximately 0.25″ and 0.5″, and the depth of the slot may be approximately 0.125″ to 0.75″, while other dimensions are contemplated. As is shown in FIG. 3, the slot member is configured to receive at least a portion of lip 110 of a stud member 100. The slot is positioned proximate the first side panel of the elongated board member so that a portion of the front panel overlies a portion of side region 108 when the lip 110 is positioned in the slot. Depending on the desired configuration, when positioned first side panel 24 may be abutting central region 104 of the stud 100, or may be spaced apart therefrom. The slot is generally substantially parallel with the second side panel (and, in the present embodiment, substantially parallel with the first side panel). In certain embodiments, in place of a slot disposed within the front surface, a slot configuration may be positioned on the front surface, or raised from the front surface. For example, a pair of spaced apart members may be positioned so as to define a slot therebetween. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 8, a small c-channel member 32′ may be positioned on the front surface to define a slot.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the elongated board member may have a number of markings 51 disposed upon either or both of the front surface and the back surface. For example, the identifications indicate a spacing dimension relative to the second side panel. For example, markings may be spaced every 0.125″ or 0.25″ inches from the second side panel.

The bracket member 14 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising base section 42 and opposing wing sections 44, 46. The base section 42 includes a central region 50, a top extension 52 and a bottom extension 54. Central region 50 overlies the front surface or the back surface of the elongated board member. Top extension 52 is bent relative to central region 50 so as to overlie a portion of the top panel. The bottom extension 54 is bent relative to the central region 50 so as to overlie a portion of the bottom panel. In the embodiment shown, the top and the bottom extensions are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the central region. The opposing wing sections extend from the respective top and bottom extensions 52, 54, respectively. The opposing wing sections are substantially perpendicular to each of the central region 50 and the two extension regions 52, 54. Additionally, the opposing wing sections are substantially parallel to (and preferably coplanar with) the second side panel. In certain embodiments, only a single wing section may be utilized. In other embodiments, the wing sections may extend from the base through an arcuate curvature, wherein the base is substantially overlying position relative to the front surface, and wherein the wing sections are parallel thereto. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 b.

The bracket members comprise a metal material, such as, for example, a steel member which is formed into the desired configuration. In other embodiments, the bracket members may comprise a polymer based material or a composite. Indeed, the material from which the bracket is formed may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The central region of the bracket member is coupled to the elongated board member with fasteners. In particular, the central region 50 includes two openings 60, 62 which are spaced apart from each other. Nails or screws may be extended through the openings and into the elongated board member. In certain embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 6, the two openings 60′, 62′ may comprise elongated openings such that after the fasteners are extended through the openings and into the elongated board member the position of the bracket member can be adjusted relative to the elongated board prior to final securement of the bracket member to the elongated board member. In certain embodiments, the bracket member may be fastened to the elongated board member through the use of nails, an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, among other attachment structures. In another embodiment, the bracket member may remain coupled to the elongated board member through an interference fit or a may be biased together through the relative dimensions of each of the elongated board member and the bracket member coupled with the natural resilience of same.

With reference to FIGS. 7 a through 7 d, the central region may comprise a relatively small member coupled to the top panel of the elongated member, or a unshaped member that straddles both the front and back panels, over either of the top panel and the bottom panel. With reference to FIG. 7 e, one of the wing sections can be modified so as to be parallel with the bottom or top panel, when the apparatus is utilized proximate a floor or a ceiling.

Additionally, each of the wing sections include at least one opening extending therethrough. The openings are of suitable size to receive a nail or screw therein. While a single opening is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a number of openings may be positioned on either of the wing sections.

The operation of the support apparatus will be described with respect to use thereof in a conventionally studded wall, wherein the spacing between adjoining studs is, for example, 16″, approximately. Of course, the invention is not limited to use with particular dimensionally positioned studs. Specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 3 through 5, a user is provided with an elongated board member of approximately 16″ the slot is positioned proximate the first side panel, and bracket member 14 is positioned proximate the second side panel.

The user first places a portion of the lip 110 (FIG. 3) of a first stud within the slot member 32 of the elongated board member 12. Once positioned, the second side panel, and the wing sections 44, 46 (FIG. 4) of the bracket member should about the immediately adjacent second stud. Once positioned, the wing sections are attached to the second stud. In particular, in the embodiment shown, fasteners are extended through the openings in each of the wing sections and into the metal stud. To achieve additional securement, additional fasteners 57 (FIG. 4) may be driven through the second stud and into the second side panel of the elongated board member. In one embodiment, the bracket member may be eliminated, and the second stud may be coupled to the support apparatus by extending fasteners through the second stud into the second side panel of the elongated member. Such a configuration provides improvements over the prior art.

In the event that the spacing between the studs is less than the length of the elongated board member, the user can uncouple the bracket member from the elongated board member. Subsequently, the board can be shortened, and, the bracket member can be reattached. Markings 51 may be provided on the elongated board member to facilitate the proper desired cutting of the elongated board member. Typically, the width of the slot is greater than the width of the lip of the stud to facilitate certain range of dimensional variation. Additionally, the wing sections may have a certain degree of resilience to likewise accommodate a certain dimensional variation.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the user need only loosen the fasteners and slide the bracket member into a desired position. Once properly positioned, the portion of the elongated member that is positioned between the bracket member and the second side panel can be cut.

Additional support member may be positioned between subsequent or adjoining stud members. Once the wall is completed, generally a covering is positioned over the studs. One such covering is a drywall material 112 (FIG. 5). The support member can form an attachment point for railing 114 (FIG. 6), baseboards, crown molding, cabinets, chair molding, bathroom fixtures, or other outside structures. Whereas the metal stud members are generally of insufficient strength to anchor brackets and railing, the support apparatus of the present invention has adequate strength to anchor such structures.

Indeed certain testing was undertaken relative to the support apparatus of the present invention. It was found that the support member of the present invention is capable of anchoring a railing having over 600 pounds of force applied thereto. Such a strength is well in excess of the 300 pound strength typically required for such anchoring.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A support apparatus for positioning between two space apart stud members, the support apparatus comprising: an elongated board member having: a front surface, a back surface, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel and a bottom panel; and a slot member disposed on the back surface, the slot member spaced apart from both the first side panel and the second side panel, and closer to the first side panel, the slot member structurally configured for receiving a portion of one of the parallel spaced apart stud members; a bracket member having; a base section overlying at least one of one of the front surface, the back surface the top panel and the bottom panel; at least one wing section integrated with the base section, the at least one wing section positioned adjacent to the second side panel, the at least one wing attachable to the other of the at least two spaced apart stud members.
 2. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated board member comprises a wooden member having a length of between approximately 12″ and 24″ and a thickness of between approximately 0.5″ and 1.75″ and a width of between approximately 2″ and 8″.
 3. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slot member is between 0.125 ″ and 0.75″ positioned approximately 0.25″ and 1.25″ from the first side panel.
 4. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wooden member is treated with a fire retardant material.
 5. The support apparatus of claim 3 wherein the sot member is approximately between 0.125″ and 0.5″ deep.
 6. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base section includes a top end and a bottom end, a top extension which is bent relative to the base section so as to overlie the top panel and a bottom extension which is bent relative to the base section so as to overlie the bottom panel, and two wing sections, the first wing section extending from the top extension and the second wing section extending from the bottom section.
 7. The support apparatus of claim 6 wherein the top extension and the bottom extension are parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base section, and wherein the two wing sections are one of parallel and coplanar to each other.
 8. The support apparatus of claim 6 wherein the bracket member includes at least one opening extending therethrough, and a fastener extends through the at least one opening into the elongated board member to releasably couple the bracket member to the elongated board member.
 9. The support apparatus of claim 8 wherein the bracket includes a pair of spaced apart openings.
 10. The support apparatus of claim 9 wherein the pair of spaced apart openings comprise elongated slots, to, in turn, facilitate the slidable movement of the fastener therealong.
 11. The support apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of the first and second wing sections include an opening extending therethrough to facilitate the coupling of each wing section to a stud with a fastener that extends through the respective opening.
 12. The support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the elongated slots have a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second end.
 13. The support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising marking lines spaced apart from the second end corresponding to predetermined distances of spacing.
 14. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slot member is cut into the front surface of the elongated board member.
 15. A method of attaching a support apparatus to a pair of metal studs comprising the steps of: providing a support apparatus, the support apparatus comprising: an elongated board member having: a front surface, a back surface, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel and a bottom panel; and a slot member disposed on the back surface, the slot member spaced apart from both the first side panel and the second side panel, and closer to the first side panel, the slot member structurally configured for receiving a portion of one of the parallel spaced apart stud members; a bracket member having; a base section overlying at least one of one of the front surface, the back surface the top panel and the bottom panel; at least one wing section integrated with the base section, the at least one wing section positioned adjacent to the second side panel, the at least one wing attachable to the other of the at least two spaced apart stud members. placing a portion of a first metal stud within the slot member of the elongated board member; and attaching the at least one wing section to the second metal stud.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of: applying a cover over the support apparatus and the studs; and securing a railing or support member to the support apparatus through the cover.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the cover comprises a drywall material. 